New York State Department of Health: Statewide Public Health with Programs for Older Adults

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is the state’s principal public health agency. Established in 1901 and headquartered in Albany, it operates under the leadership of the Commissioner of Health. Its mission is to protect, improve, and promote the health of all New Yorkers through regulation, research, and statewide health initiatives.

NYSDOH at a Glance

NYSDOH coordinates a wide range of programs and services, including:

• Public Health Infrastructure: Oversees a county-based system for disease prevention, environmental health, and emergency preparedness, as outlined in its mission statement.
• Certificate of Need (CON): Regulates the establishment and expansion of healthcare facilities through the Certificate of Need program to ensure they meet community needs without unnecessary duplication.
• Medical Assistance: Administers Medicaid eligibility and enrollment via the NY State of Health Marketplace.
• Workforce Oversight: Investigates and adjudicates complaints against licensed medical professionals through the Office of Professional Medical Conduct.
• Health Information Exchange: Manages the Statewide Health Information Network for New York (SHIN-NY) to enable secure exchange of patient health data among providers.
• Research and Laboratory Excellence: Operates the Wadsworth Center, a leading public health laboratory conducting research on infectious diseases, environmental exposures, and genetic disorders.

NYSDOH and Older Adults

While the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is the primary agency dedicated to aging services, NYSDOH plays a key role in safeguarding the health of older New Yorkers through policy, oversight, and targeted health programs:

• Long-Term Care Oversight: NYSDOH licenses and monitors nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure quality care, safety, and compliance with state and federal standards.
• Home and Community-Based Services: The department works closely with NYSOFA and local health departments to support home health care agencies, helping older adults receive medical and supportive care at home.
• Chronic Disease Prevention and Management: Older adults are disproportionately affected by conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. NYSDOH develops chronic disease prevention programs and collaborates on education and screening initiatives to address these conditions.
• Fall Prevention Initiatives: Through partnerships with local agencies, NYSDOH promotes evidence-based fall prevention programs designed to reduce the risk of injury — a major concern for older adults.
• Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Populations: The department incorporates the needs of older adults into its emergency preparedness planning to ensure access to resources during natural disasters, pandemics, or other emergencies.

The Bottom Line

The New York State Department of Health is central to the state’s public health system, touching the lives of all residents. For older adults, its impact is particularly significant in the oversight of long-term care, support for home-based health services, chronic disease management, injury prevention, and preparedness for public health emergencies.

By working in concert with the New York State Office for the Aging and local health partners, NYSDOH helps ensure that older New Yorkers can live longer, healthier, and safer lives.